Dr. Ila Gupta is the Director of the Amity School of Architecture and Planning of Amity University, Gurgaon. She holds a B. Arch degree and a Master of Urban Planning degree from VNIT and IIT Roorkee, respectively. Thereafter, she went on to pursue a PhD in Earthquake Disaster Management from IIT Roorkee. She also has a PG Diploma in Public Relations.

Dr. Gupta is a life member of the Council of Architecture, the Institute of Town Planners, and the Centre for Education Growth and Research. She has two decades of work experience in both academia and industry. For her efforts, she received the “Woman of Excellence” Award by the Indian Achievers Forum 2022 and was interviewed for the ‘10 Must Watch Influential Women Leaders in Indian Education’ by the Higher Education Digest.

Amity University, Gurgaon

Being the Director of ASAP, how do you ensure student has holistic exposure not just academics?

Education is a dynamic process; it doesn’t just start and finish with school, and neither should it be limited to classrooms. There is a need for the new generation of designers, architects, and planners to also be conscious of the environment, law, art, designs, technologies, societies, industry trends, government, and businesses. The new world is going to demand solutions to more complex problems, and an interdisciplinary approach to education is the need of the hour. We are regularly collaborating with experts from a variety of fields to provide the right exposure to our students for their holistic development. Amity also provides opportunities to participate in a plethora of extra-curricular activities in sports, dance, music, drama, and societal assistance to nurture talents for the holistic development of students. The Amity philosophy of blending modernity with tradition is also one advantage our students have over others. The value systems imbibed in students from their early years always help them excel.

How do you try to bring in practical approach towards subjects and how students get practical experience from studying the subject?

Our teaching pedagogy fosters practical experience. Our curriculum is revised regularly to accommodate the latest trends and technologies. We are connected with several industry leaders who provide opportunities for site visits, live projects, internships, expert talks and guidance. We understand that practical learning makes education more enjoyable and interesting for students. They can choose a career that matches their true interests with the help of practical learning. Students are more likely to be successful in their chosen careers. It is crucial to have first-hand experience in your profession. Students need to become accustomed to the tools and equipment they will need to use through practical work. Perfectionism comes with practice and providing more opportunities for practice is ensured.

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What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them gain necessary skills?

Amity School of Architecture and Planning follows internationally accepted best practices focusing on grooming competent professionals of the future. The five focus areas are hands-on learning, critical thinking, environmental considerations, industry exposure, and the use of advanced technologies. Our students follow a rigorous and stimulating schedule of academic learning, studio work, case study visits, site visits, industry visits, hands-on exercises, etc. Environmental considerations are at the heart of all activities. We have India’s second LEED lab (Leadership in Energy and Environment Lab) on campus, established in collaboration with USGBC and GBCI. Students are encouraged to use and develop advanced technologies. In this world of constantly evolving techniques, we focus on developing the critical thinking skills of students for dealing with unforeseen challenges in the future.

How do you help your student to cope up with the competition being so high in the outside world?

I believe competition is always beneficial because it prevents complacency and makes students more aware of the importance of achieving high benchmarks. Learning new skills and techniques and improving oneself are both results of the competition. The competition encourages fresh thinking and out of the box solutions and keeps us updated with the latest. Amity students always get an edge over their competitors because of the best pedagogical approaches and their holistic personality development in college life.

What do you see the department’s/ college’s greatest strengths and how it helping students to excel?

The cutting-edge curriculum, our student-centric approach, industry connections, and excellent placements are our greatest strengths. Our students get the confidence to handle all the challenges of their profession, which takes them towards great success. They are also well-rounded individuals who possess the right interpersonal skills to stand out from the crowd.

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What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

I would like to tell the students to believe in themselves and strive for excellence. Do not compromise on your values, and never be complacent. Work hard, maintain discipline and good health. Success is all yours.